IRFU President brings RBS Six Nations trophy to Longford

President of Longford Chamber of Commerce Fintan McGill welcomed Grand Marshal of Longford’s St Patrick’s Day Parade, Irish Rugby Football Union President Pat Fitzgerald to town today.

And Mr Fitzgerald made the occasion all the more special by bringing with him, the coveted RBS Six Nations Trophy secured by the Irish squad following their dramatic victory over France in Paris on Saturday.

It was Brian O’Driscoll’s final time to line out with Ireland and what a fitting way it was for him to depart the international rugby stage.

“I want to pay a special tribute to our grand marshal today, Longford’s own pat Fitzgerald,” said Mr McGill.

“This will be a momentous weekend for him as the president of the IRFU and he is back amongst his own for one of the highest honours that this town can bestow on a native son.”

He went on to say that Mr Fitzgerald could now count himself in “good company” as last year’s Grand Marshal, Larry Nolan, recently celebrated his 100th birthday and continues to be one of the finest looking men in Longford!

“On a serious note, Pat has never forgotten his native Longford and at all times, done whatever he could to promote and benefit the town and country,” added Mr McGill.

“He is a true champion for this great county of ours.”

An Taoiseach Enda Kenny congratulated the side and commended their outstanding courage and skill in winning this year’s RBS 6 Nations Championship.

“It was a hard won victory in Paris and a testament to the teams’s bravery and resilience. On behalf of the Irish people I would like to extend a special tribute to Brian O’Driscoll on this his last game in an Irish jersey. Brian has finished his career on his own terms which is appropriate because that is how he played the game. He was a warrior and a genius and gave Irish rugby fans great joy through years of commitment and pride in playing for his country.”

Longford St Patrick’s Day winners

(sponsor in brackets)

Art Competition (Meteor) - Under 8: 1st Shayne Ward, 2nd Victoria Szkutnik, 3rd Jessica Quinn. Over 8: 1st Jeffrey Owusu, 2nd Ruben Olusany, 3rd Paddy Lawrence.

Spirit of the Parade - Brian Crosby

Best Dressed Individual - Yvonne Smith

Outstanding Service (Hugh Shannon Memorial Cup) - Longford Fire and Rescue

Best School Entry (Glennon Brothers) - St Tereasa’s National School, Killoe

Best Environmental winner - Co Longford Ploughing

Best New Entry (Hair Square) - Octopus kids

Best Window Display (Conradh na Gaeilge) - The Baldy Sheep

Best Community Entry (Longford Shopping Centre) - South Longford Macra

Best Entertainment Award (Grafter Hair Co) - Grasshopper

Youth Endeavour Award (Longford Leader) - Grasshopper

Best Club Association (Berney Crossan & Sons) - Longford Rugby Club

Best Non Commercial Award (Supermac’s) - Longford Vintage Club

Best Public Service (Stenson’s Chemist) - Hungry Horse Outside

Best Commercial Entry (sponsor Chamber) - Longford Animal Health Centre

Most Colourful Entry (sponsor Chamber) - Aisling Festival

Best Overall winner (sponsor Chamber) - St Joseph’s National School

See Wednesday’s Longford Leader for full parade coverage.